Best Pheasants Forever Podcasts (2025)

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EP. 339: Dennis Anderson on the Creation of Pheasants Forever and the Future of Upland Conservation 53:00

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26d ago53:00

53:00

A single newspaper column sparked one of America’s greatest upland conservation movements, here’s how it happened. Before there were banquets, chapters, or habitat acres on the ground, there was a typewriter and an idea. In this episode of On the Wing Podcast, PF & QF’s Bob St. Pierre and Jared Wicklund sit down with Star Tribune Outdoors Editor De…

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Week 692: Ups and Downs of Muzzleloader Deer Hunting 1:13:25

5d ago1:13:25

1:13:25

This week we’re talking about the muzzleloader deer hunting season and how it’s gone for the guys. Both Bret Amundson and David have been hunting hard this year, and they have some stories to share about some big whitetails. Bret tells the story about the wild deer tracking job him and Dan had to do the other day, and they talk about some of the th…

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EP. 342: A Holiday Recipe Featuring Quail in Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce 23:47

5d ago23:47

23:47

A rich, winter-ready wild game dish that hunters can master with simple stock and sauce techniques. In this holiday feasting edition of On the Wing podcast, we dig into an upland-inspired meal built for cold evenings after long days in the field. Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks returns to the podcast and guides hunting cooks through his re…

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Episode 129 - Drill Down on CWD 1:35:44

11d ago1:35:44

1:35:44

If you think facts are better than fiction on the topic of CWD you need to listen to this episode. We talked to Dr. Krysten Schuler, a Wildlife Disease Ecologist with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, about CWD. Dr. Schuler is the foremost expert on CWD, having studied the disease since 2002, her entire career. She's presented ex…

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Week 691: So Your Deer Tests Positive For CWD… 1:12:40

12d ago1:12:40

1:12:40

This week we’re talking about what happens when your deer tests positive for CWD. Travis Tuthill, the guy behind TUT Outdoors, talks about what happened when the deer he harvested on opening day came back with a positive test for Chronic Wasting Disease. He also talks about the St Paul Ice Show. Joe Henry and Gregg Hennum talk about the latest ice …

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EP. 341: Pretzel-Crusted Pheasant Cutlets with QF Editor Ryan Sparks 23:35

12d ago23:35

23:35

A fall feast of pheasant, apples, and Passalacqua Winery’s white wine created for hunters who love wild game. In this snackable holiday edition of On the Wing podcast, Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks breaks down his pretzel-crusted pheasant cutlets with apple cream sauce, a cold-weather dish that blends upland hunting traditions with rich …

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Week 690: Dan Small talks Wisconsin Deer Hunting Traditions, Plus Lake of the Woods Fishing and a new trailer sponsor on the show 1:17:57

19d ago1:17:57

1:17:57

This week we’re talking deer. We break down some of the Minnesota harvest numbers and legendary outdoor communicator in Wisconsin, Dan Small, joins the show to talk about his 35th Deer Hunt Wisconsin tv special. Joe Henry talks about the St Paul Ice show and Lake of the Woods. We also welcome Space Trailers from Red Wing as a new sponsor on the sho…

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EP. 340: Building New Bird Hunters Through Volunteer Leadership 44:56

19d ago44:56

44:56

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Illinois upland hunting with chapter volunteer leader and bird dog devotee Freddy Reyes. Aaron Williams, PF & QF’s regional representative for northern Illinois, also provides a boots-on-the-ground upland report for early-season pheasant and quail hunting. Together, they break down common struggles fo…

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Episode 128 - WIHA Update with Wes Sowards 1:15:24

25d ago1:15:24

1:15:24

In this episode, we sit down with Wes Sowards of KDWP And get an update on the walk-in hunting access program.

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Week 689: New Stuff from onX Hunt with Ben Brettingen 1:10:25

26d ago1:10:25

1:10:25

This week we’re talking about the new things from onX that just dropped with Ben Brettingen. He also talks about the hunting trips he’s taken so far including a sweet out-of-state deer hunt he went on. Bret talks about the giant buck he missed last weekend, David Eckhardt is back and talks about his South Dakota whitetail and waterfowl trip, and Da…

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Week 688: Deer Baiting Controversy in Minnesota 1:08:03

1M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

On this week’s podcast, we’re talking about some deer baiting controversy in Minnesota. We’re joined by two MN Conservation Officers to clear up what’s legal as far as food plots go, mowing lanes, damaged and mowed ag fields, mineral blocks and more. Lt. Dustin Miller and Lt. Wayne Hatlestad join us and answer our deer baiting and waterfowl baiting…

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EP. 338: Chasing Prairie Ghosts: The Flatlanders’ Upland Bird Adventure Across the West 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

Three hunters, six dogs, and three western states—one unforgettable pursuit for prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, and ptarmigan. This episode of On the Wing Podcast follows three Pheasants Forever volunteers, Kenny Reed, Colton Nefsker, and Justin Nie, as they return from an epic upland hunting road trip across South Dakota, Color…

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Week 687: Hunting Health Tips, Wild Game Nutrition and More with the Doctor 1:12:38

1M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

On this week’s show, we’re talking hunting health tips, wild game nutrition, first birds, new hunting dogs and more with Dr Jacob Bermudez and his friend Joe Ellis. They’re up here duck hunting and pheasant hunting in western Minnesota and sit down with us to talk hunting and more. Jake talks about his unique path of getting involved in hunting and…

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EP. 337: Alaska Ptarmigan Adventure: Conquering the Upland Bird Slam with Your Bird Dogs 1:09:12

1M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Chasing ptarmigan across Alaska’s tundra pushes bird dogs, hunters, and grit to their absolute limits. This episode of On the Wing Podcast transports listeners deep into the Alaskan backcountry as host Bob St. Pierre sits down with upland hunter Hunter Kamm, who just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime ptarmigan hunting trip. From the Kenai Peninsul…

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Week 686: Duck Hunting with John Kriesel 1:30:46

2M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

On this week’s podcast, we’re duck hunting with John Kriesel. John has such an amazing story, and it reminds us how much bigger life is than duck hunting or fishing. John is a combat-wounded veteran, former MN politician, motivational speaker, and weekly guest on one of the biggest morning shows in the country. He tells us his story, why hunting is…

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EP. 336: Inside PF & QF: How Membership Fuels Habitat, Access, and Bird Hunting 54:22

2M ago54:22

54:22

Want more wild birds, better access, and stronger habitat? It all starts with joining the upland community. In the heart of bird hunting season, the On the Wing Podcast takes a closer look at what really keeps the upland tradition alive—its members. Host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s membership team—Brian Essli…

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Week 685: Crazy Duck Band Found in Minnesota 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

On this week’s show, we learn about a crazy duck band found in Minnesota by Cooper Kangas of Thief River Falls. He tells us how he got the duck band, what the bird was, and how old it was. We’ve heard of similar stories, but it’s still so hard to believe. Cooper also talks about how duck hunting is going in Minnesota’s northern zone and what he thi…

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EP. 335: Why Target Shooting Builds Better Hunters and Stronger Conservation Support 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

Discover how a simple day at the range can ignite a lifelong passion for hunting and wildlife conservation. In this “snackable” edition of On the Wing podcast, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with PF & QF’s Hunting Heritage Program Manager Ashley Chance to explore how target shooting creates the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Throug…

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Week 684: Pheasant Hunting Successes & Scares 1:04:29

2M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

On this week’s show, we’re talking pheasant hunting successes and scares with Jared Wiklund from Pheasants Forever. He talks about pheasant numbers across the Midwest and how hunters did on opening weekend, but also about how a TON of CRP land is in peril if a new Farm Bill doesn’t happen soon. Joe Henry talks about fish pictures and AI, and Bret &…

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EP. 334: 2025 Quail Hunting Forecast | State-by-State Insights and Habitat Trends 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

Find out where the best quail hunting opportunities are this season—and why bird numbers are rebounding across key states. Quail hunters across the country are gearing up for what could be one of the most promising upland seasons in years. In this episode of On the Wing podcast, we break down the 2025 state-by-state quail hunting forecast, covering…

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Week 683: 2025 Minnesota Pheasant Season Primer 1:01:23

2M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

On this week’s show, we’re getting primed for the 2025 Minnesota Pheasant Season with avid pheasant hunter Keng Yang. Keng talks about his plans for opening weekend, what he’s looking forward to this season and more. Keng also has a unique background on how he got into hunting, so he shares a bit about his story. Bret and Dan start the show recappi…

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EP. 333: PF’s Tom Carpenter Delivers Strategies to “Mix it Up” this Season 1:01:39

2M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

In this episode of On the Wing podcast, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever Journal editor Tom “Carp” Carpenter to unpack his new article, “Mix It Up.” Together they break down five fresh pheasant hunting tactics to keep your hunts productive all season long. From ditching rigid game plans and trusting your bird dog’s instincts to …

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Week 682: Fish Statue Drama, Muskies, Waterfowl, and More! 56:47

2M ago56:47

56:47

On this week’s show, we’re bouncing all over the continent covering a bunch of different topics! Bret and Dan are in Saskatchewan and talk about their first couple of waterfowl hunts up here. Joe Henry tells us about the makeover the walleye statue in Baudette could get, Dan Donovan talks muskies and fly fishing, and Mari Bodensteiner tells us abou…

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EP. 332: Chukar Hunting Secrets and Habitat Insights from Biologists and Avid Hunters 1:27:02

3M ago1:27:02

1:27:02

Discover the hidden world of chukar hunting with insider research, expert field reports, and hard-earned lessons. In this episode of On the Wing Podcast, we dive deep into the rugged and rewarding pursuit of chukar hunting. Host Bob St. Pierre is joined by biologist Catherine Isaac, conservation leader Levi Day, and upland hunter Andrew Vavra to ex…

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Week 681: Hanging Out With Hunting and Fishing Professionals 1:02:03

3M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

On this week’s show, we’re hanging out with hunting and fishing professionals at the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers annual conference. Trent Marsh from Riton Optics talks deer hunting and has some tips for people with their rifle scopes. Jeremy Mallette from Recover Tactical tells us about some cool accessories for handguns to make them…

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EP. 331: New Public Wildlife Area Honors Organization’s 1st Biologist 1:48:32

3M ago1:48:32

1:48:32

In conjunction with Build a Wildlife Area Week, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are excited to announce the creation of a new public wildlife area in Iowa honoring Jim Wooley, the first biologist the organization hired during the mid-1980s. On this episode of On the Wing Podcast, host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Jim Wooley and two of his long-ti…

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Week 680: Moose Hunting, Gold Mining, and Alaska with Cory Loeffler 1:20:25

3M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

On this week’s show, we’re talking moose hunting, gold mining, and Alaska with Cory Loeffler. He checks in from his home in Alaska and tells us about what cool adventures he’s been on, what his daughters are getting to learn while being homeschooled and more. We ask Cory his opinion on the Minnesota Duck season dates, find out what’s new with DRC C…

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EP. 330: Hunting Forecast for 2025 Season with Ruffed Grouse Society 37:40

3M ago37:40

37:40

As autumn arrives in the northern states, bird hunters look forward to ruffed grouse season. On this episode of On the Wing Podcast, Jeremy Collard from the Ruffed Grouse Society joins host Bob St.Pierre to discuss the 2025 outlook for ruffed grouse hunting. St.Pierre also shares his “Yooper” roots and highlights the release of PF & QF’s second Ope…

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Week 679: Drake Herd on Frustrations with the National Walleye Tour 1:43:55

3M ago1:43:55

1:43:55

On this week’s show, Drake Herd joins the show and talks about some frustrations with the National Walleye Tour, including the shocking way his 2025 walleye tournament fishing season ended. He also talks duck hunting with the guys, tells us what’s new with Fin Gear and more. Dan unleashes on the National Walleye Tour, Bret teases a new film we crea…

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EP. 329: South Dakota Pheasant and Grouse Hunting Forecast for 2025 Season 1:23:12

3M ago1:23:12

1:23:12

South Dakota’s reputation as the nation’s pheasant hunting capital makes it a bucket-list destination for upland hunters. In this episode of On the Wing Podcast, host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Matt Gottlob, Pheasants Forever’s South Dakota State Coordinator, and South Dakota Game Fish & Parks biologists Alex Solem and Jake Wolfe to preview the 202…

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Week 678: 2x Bassmaster Elite Champion Pat Schlapper & the New FFS Rules for BASS 1:46:10

3M ago1:46:10

1:46:10

On this week’s show, 2x Bassmaster Elite Champion Pat Schlapper is back talking about his season on the highest level of fishing. He talks about his two victories, how he made an epic comeback in the Angler of the Year race and what he did to battle back and have a great season. Pat also reacts to the new Bassmaster Forward-Facing Sonar rules for t…

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EP. 328: Finding Crippled Quail with Bobwhite Biologists 1:11:20

3M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by University of Georgia’s Dr. James Martin and Tall Timbers’ biologists Amanda Cramer and Justin Rectenwald for a conversation recapping the group’s three-year study focused on assessing crippling loss from bobwhite quail hunters. The results show hunters often wound more birds than they realize, many of which are neve…

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EP. 327: MeatEater’s Tony Peterson on his Love for Dogs and Bird Hunting 1:23:23

4M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by PF & QF’s Vice President of Marketing Andrew Vavra for a conversation with MeatEater’s Tony Peterson focused on his love of chasing birds with his Labrador retrievers. Peterson leads MeatEater’s dog content as the host of Houndations Podcast and DOG EDU. Peterson is also the father of two twin teenage daughters who h…

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Week 677: The State of Waterfowl Hunting in Minnesota for 2025 1:19:23

4M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

On this week’s show, we’re talking about the state of waterfowl hunting in Minnesota with MN DNR Migratory Game Bird Specialist Nate Huck. We talk about why the Blue-Winged Teal numbers are so low, if we’ll ever get an expanded Sandhill Crane or Trumpeter Swan hunting season, and if we’re on track for a shorter duck hunting season. We also answer s…

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SJR | Week 676: New Gear to Help Your Waterfowl Season 1:24:01

4M ago1:24:01

1:24:01

On this week’s show, Luke Cramlet and Ben Brettingen join the show to talk about some new decoys, gear, and tools to help your waterfowl season. They recap Game Fair and talk about Ben’s trip to Lake of the Woods. David Eckhardt is back, Dan almost pees his pants, and Bret has a MASSIVE announcement regarding the future of the show. Make sure you’r…

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EP. 326: Will There be a New Farm Bill in 2025? 1:07:28

4M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by PF & QF’s Vice President of Government Affairs Ariel Wiegard and Director of Government Affairs Andrew Schmidt to attempt answering the difficult question, “Will there be a new Farm Bill in 2025?” The trio also discuss the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and what the absence of a new Farm Bill means for the crown …

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SJR | Week 675: At the Leech Lake Bassmaster Open 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

On this week’s podcast, we’re up at the Leech Lake Bassmaster Open. Anglers Joe Titus and Matt Kennedy join us once again to talk about how prefishing has been and why this tournament at Leech Lake is more fun than others. We also just catch up with the guys since the last time we talked to them in Kentucky Lake to see how their fishing seasons hav…

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EP. 325: Sharptails, Prairie Chickens, Sage Grouse, and Starting the Upland Season 1:30:49

4M ago1:30:49

1:30:49

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by The Flush’s Travis Frank, Western Wingshooter Podcast’s Tyler Webster, and Pheasants Forever Journal Editor Tom “Carp” Carpenter for a discussion focused on prairie grouse. The conversation covers late summer dog training during the “catch & release” season, habitat, dog work, hunting, and cooking approaches to sharp…

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SJR | Week 674: North Dakota Duck Hunting Changes for Non-Residents 1:24:01

4M ago1:24:01

1:24:01

On this week’s podcast, we learn about the North Dakota duck hunting changes for non-residents that start in 2025. Bill Haase from North Dakota Game & Fish tells us why they did away with the statewide waterfowl hunting license, what this means for hunters, and what changes to duck hunting North Dakota residents need to be aware of as well. Dan get…

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EP. 324: PF & QF’s Habitat Work to Benefit 26 Upland Bird Species in the West 1:36:55

4M ago1:36:55

1:36:55

Host Bob St.Pierre talks with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever leaders Al Eiden, Ron Leathers, and Andrew Vavra about habitat improvement efforts in eleven western states. They also discuss hunting opportunities for 26 upland bird species found in these regions. Episode Highlights: • Eiden and Leathers discuss PF & QF’s habitat work along the Be…

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SJR | Week 673: BREAKING NEWS From Boss Shotshells 59:48

5M ago59:48

59:48

On this week’s podcast, Brandon Cerecke has some breaking news from Boss Shotshells. He tells us what the future of Boss ammunition will be and what metal the new Boss shotgun shells will be made of. Brandon tells us why they’re making the switch, when he hopes to have them, and all of the challenges that non-toxic hunting ammunition faces. Joe Hen…

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EP. 323: Counting Pheasants and Exploring Season Changes with Minnesota DNR 1:07:12

5M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Host Bob St.Pierre speaks with Dave Trauba of Minnesota DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife about how the agency conducts August roadside counts and uses the data. Trauba also discusses the “Pheasant Action Plan” and efforts to solicity hunter feedback on possibly extending the season into January and adjusting the 9am start time.Episode Highlights:•…

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Episode 127 - Year One Building the Hunting Dog Foundation 55:53

5M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode of the Kansas BHA Podcast, we explore the first year of a hunting dog's life with Ron Boehme of The Hunting Dog Podcast and Jeff Hancock of Hickory Hollow Llewellin Setters. From crate training to first bird contact, we break down the key milestones, mistakes to avoid, and tips for building a reliable hunting companion…

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SJR | Week 672: Transition From Fishing to Hunting 45:45

5M ago45:45

45:45

On this week’s podcast, Bret Amundson, David Eckhardt, and Dan Amundson talk about how we’re almost in the transition from fishing to hunting season already. They talk about Game Fair coming up, the current corn sweats, and something the US Fish & Wildlife Service asked Bret to do. We also head back up to Tazin Lake Lodge to hear from owners Trevor…

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EP. 322: Introducing the Passalacqua Wine + Quail Forever Collaboration 1:08:54

5M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Quail Forever Journal Editor Ryan Sparks for a conversation with Jason Passalacqua, owner of Passalacqua Winery, and Jessica Boone, Passalacqua’s winemaker. This episode celebrates a new collaboration between Quail Forever and Passalacqua introducing a Quail Forever Pinot Noir and a Quail Forever Fiano. A portion of …

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SJR | Week 671: Bucket List Fishing Trip to Tazin Lake 1:02:05

5M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

On this week’s podcast, we’re recapping our fishing trip to Tazin Lake Lodge. This is a bucket list lake trout and northern pike destination for a lot of anglers, and Bret Amundson talks to one of those anglers. Blake Johnnie from Alaska joins us to talk about why his group chose Tazin, how the fishing was, and what it’s like fighting a giant lake …

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EP. 321: Started Bird Dogs, Weather & Wildlife, and Refreshed Brands 1:12:16

5M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Vice President of Marketing Andrew Vavra and Praedictix meteorologist Todd Nelson. The conversation covers the intersection between weather, upland habitat, pheasants, and quail. Vavra kicks off the discussion with an overview of his experiences with bird dogs, including the rece…

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SJR | Week 670: Twists to License Fees and Game Warden Jurisdictions 1:04:14

5M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

On this week’s podcast, we’re learning about a surprising twist to hunting and fishing license fee increase proposals and the negative effects that it will bring. Richard Simms joins us from Tennessee and gives us the rundown on what’s happening with their hunting and fishing licenses and how it’s putting the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency in a…

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SJR | Week 669: Fishing and Storm Cleanup in Northern Minnesota 47:56

6M ago47:56

47:56

On this week’s podcast, we talk to Aaron Templin from Acme Tackle and Elliot Rods to get the lowdown on how the fishing community in Bemidji is doing after the massive storm that ripped through recently. He tells us how the storm affected the town, how his place held up and more. A summer of fishing and storm cleanup in Northern Minnesota! He also …

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EP. 320: Bird Hunting and Family Time with Travis Frank of The Flush 1:23:49

6M ago1:23:49

1:23:49

Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Communications Jared Wiklund for a conversation with Travis Frank previewing the 2025 season of The Flush TV on Outdoor Channel. The discussion covers a wide array of upland bird hunting adventures spanning Ontario to Oklahoma and Indiana to Wyoming. The guys chat abo…